Description

It was not Lord Ram, but Sita who was the first one to lift the Shivdhanush (शिवधनुष). As the maids could not clean the bow properly, Sita facilitated the cleaning process by lifting it. King Janak was highly surprised. Parvati was surprised too and asked Lord Shiv answer to her question.

Lord Shiv answers:

“Shivdhanush symbolizes the character and commitment that must be shown by both husband and wife in a relationship. The Bow is represented by Male and the string is represented by Female. The bow is very strong and crooked and the string is strong as well because it will hold both ends of the bow but is portrayed as slender. If the bow is tied tightly then the bow will break but if it is tied loosely then the bow in itself is useless. Thus, the female holds life in a relationship and the male’s (survived by the induced life) action governs where this relationship leads, strengthens and protects it. Hence, Ravan could not lift it by mere brawn power because there is no commitment given.

Sita represents Life.

Lord Ram represents Commitment and Strength.

Ravan represents Arrogance and Ego.

This painting just tries to capture King Janak’s astonishment when Sita lifted the Bow.